Colombia in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Caribbean Coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Rosario Islands)

March often feels like the driest, hottest spell before the rains start: Cartagena and Cartagena’s islands see long, sun-drenched days and clear sea conditions for snorkeling. Santa Marta and Taganga are busy with beachgoers and trekkers heading to the Sierra Nevada; Tayrona trails start to warm up. This is a good month for boat trips and diving, but pack for sun, sudden squalls offshore are still possible.

Pacific Coast & Chocó (Nuquí, Bahía Solano, Quibdó)

March sees consistently wet conditions with powerful afternoon thunderstorms in the Chocó lowlands that nourish the dense rainforest. Boat transfers along the coastline can be rough on windy days, but the birding is excellent as many forest species are active; pack quick-drying clothes. Expect muddy jungle trails and irregular road travel; remote lodges may be the best base for wildlife trips.

Andean Highlands (Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Triangle, Cali)

March brings increasing warmth in lower Andean valleys: Cali heats up and rivers that feed into the Pacific begin to rise. The higher altitudes around Bogotá keep their temperate pattern, with afternoon showers possible. This is a good month for exploring Medellín’s neighborhoods and the Coffee Triangle’s plantations before the heavier spring rains, but layer up for chilly evenings at higher elevations like Manizales.

Los Llanos (Eastern Plains)

March is the tail end of the dry season with hot afternoons and long, clear skies; rivers are at their lowest so boat navigation becomes limited on smaller tributaries. This is an excellent month for jaguar-spotting safaris along the edges of forest islands where animals concentrate. Heat can be intense - schedule early-morning and late-afternoon outings and carry electrolytes and sun protection.

Amazon Basin (Leticia, Puerto Nariño, Amacayacu)

March tends to be among the wetter months in the basin; rainforest trails grow slick and rivers powerful, expanding floodplain exploration by boat. Birdlife is abundant and nocturnal mammal activity increases, so night walks from lodges can be rewarding when guided. Travel windows by small aircraft into Leticia are usually stable, but internal boat timetables may shift with river conditions.